Expert party planner Debi Lilly shares her practical, creative and inspiring ideas for five themed children's parties, each one full of personality and fun.

By Lisa Capretto

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Flower Party

DecorationsFor a flower party, decorations almost always include fresh flowers! If you're on a budget, Debi suggests making your own tissue paper flowers to keep up the floral theme without going overboard on spending. Stick to soft colors like pink and white, and create a floral centerpiece by making a tissue paper topiary with different shades of green.

FoodAs with the butterfly party, Debi says you can use cookie cutters to turn sandwiches into fun, floral shapes, or you can have the party catered with charming foods like mini burgers.

DrinksDebi loves serving "rose petal punch" at a flower party. To make it, mix pink lemonade with ginger ale and add some floating rose petals to the top of the punch bowl.

ActivitiesFor the main activity, have children make their own flower arrangements. Buy 2-inch buckets filled with green floral foam (soaked before the party) and give them to kids to fill with the flowers and greenery of their choice.